Cobb and Courteney-Wells

Coleman J made orders concerning the parenting of three children, L, H, and E, in proceedings between Mr Cobb (the father) and Ms Courteney-Wells (the mother). The dispute concerned the arrangements for the children's care and contact with their parents.

The court was required to determine the appropriate parenting orders for the children, including the allocation of parental responsibility and the nature and extent of the father's time with the children. The orders also addressed the mother's responsibilities regarding the children's schooling, counselling, and engagement with child protection services, as well as the father's access to the children's schools.

Coleman J ordered that all previous and existing parenting orders be discharged. The mother was granted sole parental responsibility for the children. The father was ordered to spend time with the children for up to three hours in each two-week period, to take place at and be supervised by Interrelate Family Centre, with the father to meet the costs of this supervision. The father was directed to contact Interrelate forthwith and comply with their procedures and codes of conduct. The mother was to deliver and collect the children from Interrelate for these contact periods and also contact Interrelate for intake procedures. The mother was further ordered to notify the intervener of any change of address or telephone number, ensure the children attend school regularly, continue their counselling, and contact the Child Protection Counselling Service to advise them of the orders and reactivate a previous referral, complying with their requirements. The father was restricted from attending the children's schools unless invited or on open days. Costs were reserved.